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Ask HN: How do you choose what to read?

3 pointsby rileywatkinsover 9 years ago
With more books and content on the internet than anyone could possibly read in a lifetime, how do you decide what deserves your attention and what doesn't?

2 comments

htaipeiover 9 years ago
My solution to this problem is not to think too much about choosing, and focus instead on efficiency. I try to read everything that strikes my fancy, but won&#x27;t hesitate to click away or put something down if I&#x27;m just not into it. No need to waste time on something I have to struggle to stay interested in.<p>One thing I can definitely recommend for books, though, if you&#x27;re an avid reader and you just can&#x27;t devour books fast enough: Listen to audiobooks constantly, and at 1.25x or 1.5x speed. Between hard copy, Kindle, and Audible&#x2F;Scribd, I&#x27;ve been able to finish about 40 books so far this year (I set a goal of 52 for the year -- on track to make it!)
serenover 9 years ago
Until maybe 5 years ago, I would read almost anything. This is great for discovery, but sucks when you have to plow through an abysmal book. I remember vividly reading the sequel of Dracula by a descendant (and a handful of ghostwriter) of Bram Stocker. This was terrible, full of cliché, badly written...<p>So now I am actually planning what I am going to read next. There are lots of classic to chose from. Admittedly some are boring. Last year, I have really enjoyed <i>Lord Jim</i>, <i>Nostromo</i> and <i>Heart of Darkness</i>.<p>I always have a &quot;to read next&quot; list with 10-20 books in it.